BLM seeks unauthorized Hot Springs trail builder

A decade ago, a storm and flood struck Hot Springs Mountain in northern Carson Valley that some residents said turned the various off-road trails that crisscross the mountain into rivers.

A thunderstorm dumped 1.21 inches on the hill in 80 minutes on June 20, 2014, according to the National Weather Service.

The Carson City District office of the Bureau of Land Management is looking for information regarding the unauthorized trail construction taking place on Hot Springs Mountain, east of Vicky Lane where the asphalt terminates to dirt road.

Law Enforcement Ranger Tyler Mundy posted to social media that it’s suspected someone is attempting to create an unauthorized hiking and mountain biking trail. The Record-Courier has verified with the district that the post is legitimate.

Munday said the effort is counterintuitive as this trail system is now inviting motorized vehicle traffic into areas that were previously undisturbed.

According to the post, trail building anywhere on public lands controlled by the BLM requires authorization from the agency, which requires an extensive approval process.

Among the possible rules being violated include:

• Use of public land without required authorization with a fine of $300 plus fees associated with the full cost of restoring the land back to it’s natural state.

• Deface, disturb, remove, or destroy any archaeological or historical resource, natural objects or area with a fine of $250 plus associated fees with restoration.

Hot Springs Mountain is also a culturally sensitive area to the Washoe Tribe with possible archaeological areas being disturbed.  Archaeological violations can result in fines of thousands of dollars and possible jail.

Anyone with information regarding the construction of these unauthorized trails on public lands, or who witnessed individuals in the act of construction is asked to call 775-885-6002.